Pudu PlazaPudu Plaza, Pudu

Pudu Plaza

Pudu Plaza is a leasehold shopping mall sited in the heart of the Kuala Lumpur city in Pudu. It is only 10 minutes away from the city centre and less than 30 minutes away from the city of Petaling Jaya. Ampang is only 15 minutes away whereas Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is 45 minutes away.

Pudu Plaza is a spacious, sprawling shopping complex which is 3 stories tall with the size of the smallest shop sizes being only 380 sf. Units for sale at Pudu Plaza are non-existent and there is no recorded sale in the past. All units are only for rent on a long term basis and they come with an expensive tag of approximately RM3.15 psf.

The old complex was erected in the 1970s and the accommodations provided to the shops are few with only the basic central air-conditioning, lifts and escalators. The floors are fully tiled and most rented shops have rudimentary furnishings.The benefits of obtaining a shop at the famous Pudu Plaza is bountiful with the availability of steady clients. This is due to its central location, its closeness to the main bus station and being located just below the Pudu Plaza Apartment which is normally rented to tourists for overnight stays.

Many people seek to rent units at Pudu Plaza as they will have a consistent flow of walk-in customers from outstation and those who stop at the Pudu Bus Station. There are many eateries in the area which will appeal to visitors, along with the multiple bus ticket stations lining the streets.

Accessibility to the area is extremely convenient as Pudu Plaza is located just off the main trunk road of Jalan Pudu, which offers immediate access to the SMART tunnel. Public transportation is also available as the aforementioned Pudu Bus Station is opposite the plaza, as well as the Pudu LRT station.

Analysis

Pudu Plaza is located in one of the most coveted areas in Kuala Lumpur with the high traffic congestion which is a major issue in the area. Therefore, locals try to stay away during peak hours to avoid getting trap in the traffic for hours.

The neighbourhood is another reason for locals to stay away as the area have a reputation of being seedy and shady. Snatch thefts are common in the area as well as tricksters pretending to be beggars. Touting for bus tickets are a usual sight and this puts the place in a bad light.

Many mention that obtaining a piece of property around Pudu Plaza would be the best investment of all times but this is false as the entire property in the area is leasehold and can be taken back by the government any moment. Despite that, those seeking to open small businesses targeted toward backpackers can rent a place at the Pudu Plaza.